Tuesday, January 24, 2012

I started my degree program this month at Catholic University. The campus is in DC very near the National Shrine, which I am obsessed with. It is so beautiful in every way. I walked around inside it yesterday, lit a candle (for the little girls of Cambodia who were sold as sex slaves) and was in awe of its beauty.
Anyway, one of my classes is called Transpersonal Theory and it centers on a type of therapy that considers the spiritual part of a person. We were assigned Contemplative Practice. I decided to center my practice around sacrifice. I am surrounded by plenty; plenty of money, clothes, food, technology, waste and most importantly choices. I believe that is the job of every able-bodied, free, strong individual on the planet is to take care of the suffering, lonely, oppressed, hungry, naked, enslaved etc.

Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

So through sacrifice and honor, I challenged myself to limit my choices, my waste and my access to technology. In every endeavor, my thoughts focus on those who have no choices. When I crave a soda, I will strive to remember those who have no clean water to drink. When I am hungry, I will remember those who are starving or who eat the same thing every day for every meal...when I am sick of wearing the same jeans I will remember those who have only one thing to wear day after day.

I am not looking for praise, or awe or anything at all. This is not about me.

Day One and Two:
I'm HUNGRY, my body feels fatigued and I am thirsty constantly. I have no problem with the clothes yet. My jeans are comfy and I honestly enjoy not worrying about the trivial-ness of "what to wear." Last night I had a baked sweet potato with peanut butter. I hated it half-way through, but ate every bite to avoid waste. I wanted to gag. I do not miss Facebook except that I tried to call my friend Brittany and I have the wrong number. I am not sure how I will contact her without FB...poop!
Dinner tonight, tomato soup and an apple. Still more than most get.

Here are my choices for food:
Fruits
Veggies
Nuts
Beans/oats/Quinoa
Yogurt
Eggs
Chocolate-Dark and free trade only (I had to have something sweet)
Water only to drink

Little Livvy Latin Lou

She has always been Miss Independent! Her gifts are many but her generous spirit and unconditional acceptance and love for others set her apart. She works hard, is incredibly grateful for her charmed life and gives back with ease. We are so proud of her example of simple kindness. We hope she stays home forever!

D

DeAndre is 17. He is handsome and charming and is easy to adore. We are proud of his athletic accomplishments, his energy and his love of life. He makes parenting easy. His life is one big highlight reel and we are excited to be in it!

Rocco Love

Our little sunshine is now 4! He is bright eyed and sassy, sensitive and sweet. And just like his mommy, he calls it like he sees it! What a joy and a delightful challenge he is!

RoRo

Our sweetest baby is 2! He gives love so freely and sweetly that we are convinced he is an angel. He is wise beyond his years and teaches us about life in a new way everyday. He is truly a precious being. What a perfect addition to our family!

About Me

We are not your conventional family. If there is a "right way" to create a family, we did the opposite! We live life on our terms, we love and embrace each other as is. We refuse to attempt to change our children or force beliefs on them and instead cultivate who they are and encourage critical thought so they may create their own fulfilling, spiritual paths. We believe that peace in our home creates peaceful, loving people that will flourish in life. This remains our constant aim...may peace be with you.